Nora e Kelmendit

Nora was a 17th century Albanian woman from the Kelmendi tribe in Northern Albania. Not much is known about her actual life as she has become a legendary figure and a symbol for Albanian ferocity in the face of adversity.

Referred to as the “Helen of Albania,” legend has it that Nora’s beauty was so renowned it caused a war between Ottoman forces and the Albanian Highlanders. 

Having seen Nora’s beauty for himself, the Ottoman Vutsi Pasha set out to marry her. The proposal was refused by Nora’s father, and the Pasha, incensed, lay siege to Malesia.

Nora, calculating and ruthless in her patriotism, seemingly accepted the Pasha’s proposal and after presenting herself to him in her bridal finery (in this case, a “xhublete,” the traditional clothing of that area), stabbed the Pasha and fled.

Having survived his wounds, Vutsi Pasha and a regimen of Ottoman soldiers set out after Nora, only to be met by 300 fierce Kelmendi warriors. The battle ensued and Nora, meeting the Pasha on the battlefield, finally put an end to her would-be-suitor.

As I mentioned earlier, the true story has been lost in time and only the legend remains. There are countless paintings of Nora slaying the Pasha and ballads are sung praising her beauty as well as her intellect. Nora e Kelmendit lives on as a symbol of patriotic pride and feminine strength.